Teena Marie, 'Ivory Queen of Soul,' dies
S ANGELES - The Associated Press In this July 2009 file photo, Teena Marie performs during the Essence Music Festival at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans. AP photo Teena Marie, the "Ivory Queen of Soul" who developed a lasting legacy with her silky soul hits like "Lovergirl," "Square Biz," and "Fire and Desire" died Sunday at the age of 54 in the United States. A statement from police in the city of Pasadena, California, said the death appeared to be from natural causes. The police and fire department were called to her home after family members found her unresponsive. In an interview with the Associated Press last year, Teena Marie said she had successfully battled an addiction to prescription drugs. She went on tour last year to support her last album, "Congo Square." Marie certainly wasn't the first white act to sing soul music, but she was arguably among the most gifted and respected, and was t...